You'll be shocked at how long the average couple waits before getting married

People are waiting longer to get married than ever before.Shutterstock

The INSIDER Summary:

A survey found that people are waiting longer in their relationships to get married.

The average couple is waiting 4.9 years, according to the survey.

It also found that a big majority of couples felt like marriage was something that they wanted to do, instead of feeling pressured.

The institution of marriage has gone through a lot of changes over the years, but now it seems people are putting more thought into the union.

A recent study conducted by Bridebook found that not only are people getting married even later in life than ever before, but the average couple is also dating for a longer time before getting married.

The survey, which included 4,000 recently married couples, found that the average couple was together for about 4.9 years before trying the knot. This broke down as the couples dating for 1.4 years (17 months) before moving in together, living together for 1.83 years (22 months) before getting engaged, and being engaged for 1.67 years (20 months) before getting married.

The study also gave some optimistic glimpses into the state of modern relationships. It showed that the rate of divorce is at its lowest since 1971, and 83% of couples say they felt no pressure to get married and did it because they wanted to.

A same-sex couple getting married in California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The founder of Bridebook Hamish Shephard said that this type of survey shows that modern relationships are becoming stronger and more about commitment.

"Marriages are becoming stronger than ever, relationships happier and more committed than ever, and couples more independent and consensual in their decisions than ever," Shephard said in a release.

While people should be married when they feel the time is right, it is heartening to see that people are taking their commitment seriously and feeling more confident about their decisions.